There is a definite sense that the transfer market is finally heating up after a tepid start to January. And tabloid reports today suggest that Arsenal are trying to wrap up deals for two defensive targets. The Express reports:
Arsenal line up SENSATIONAL £15m raid for Valencia defensive stars Pereira and Gaya
ARSENAL are looking at raiding Valencia for defensive pair Joao Pereira and Jose Luis Gaya in January.
Reports in Spain suggest that the Gunners have held talks with the La Liga outfit about bringing the duo to England before the end of the month.
Joao Pereira
The 30 year old has been around the block more than once. He’s played 40 times for Portugal as a right back and still has a great motor on him. He’s exactly the sort of canny and experienced full back that Arsenal need to add to their talented yet, in certain areas, inexperienced side.
The 5ft 7in tall defender has done stints in Spain and Portugal is currently playing very well for Valencia after a summer in which he made the squad for Brazil 2014.
Jose Luis Gaya
Also a Valencia player but at the other end of the experience scale, left back Jose Luis Gaya is a 19 year old left back of some promise. He’s turned out for Spain at every youth level and is set for a senior call up once he has filled out a bit more. He’s pacey, adventurous, intrepid and skillful on the ball. He’s has a breakthrough year for his club this season with 20 performances and two impressive goals – all in all he is a very exciting prospect. Valencia may not be willing to sell but Arsenal could certainly use him to great effect as an understudy to Kieran Gibbs. Nacho Monreal may leave Arsenal at this rate.
Let’s have a look at Gaya in action. Arsenal fans: too young to have an impact?
